Do You Know What You're Worth?

Still, a degree from HBS is far from worthless. The school reports the median salary of its 2012 graduates was over $100,000 and 89 percent of students received a job offer within three months of graduation.

“HBS provides a place where people from all walks of life can cross paths. This community is more diverse than any other in which you’re likely to participate. Students come from all over the world; some have money and some don’t; some will go into the upper echelons of finance, while others are headed to non-profit careers. Don’t be intimidated by anyone’s experience – take it as an opportunity to learn from them and to figure out what you bring to the table.”

Also, the school has an impressive alumni list — George W. Bush, Michael Bloomberg, Sheryl Sandberg — so along with an HBS degree looking good on a resume, you could also be able to tap into a talented network.